What’s the difference between dental insurance and dental discount plans?

Numerous studies have linked oral health to physical health. Dental health coverage can help defray some of the costs associated with maintaining your oral health. You have two options when it comes to dental coverage: dental insurance and dental discount plans. What is the difference between the two?

Dental insurance policies are similar to standard health insurance policies, with monthly premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance and copayments. Dental discount plans have none of these items. Dental insurance premiums can range from $10 to $30 a month for individuals to more than $50 a month for dental family health insurance plans.

When an individual or family has dental insurance, the deductible must be met before the insurance will cover any procedures other than routine checkups. Procedures such as fillings and crowns are generally covered through co-insurance, which will cover a percentage of the cost, leaving you responsible for the remaining percentage. Some plans also include coverage for orthodontics as well. Because dental insurance encourages routine care and good oral health, if you buy it, you and your family will most likely use it and benefit from it.

Dental discount plans are often a fraction of the cost of dental insurance plans, and members pay only an annual membership fee. Rather than paying a monthly premium, deductibles, and copayments and co-insurance, members will simply pay discounted rates when visiting participating dentists.

Neither dental discount plans nor dental health care plans are inherently superior. Ultimately, the individual health insurance plan for dental care you should choose is the one that best fits your needs. If you generally enjoy good dental health and can pay for most of your care out of pocket, a dental discount plan may be the better choice, allowing you to save substantially on premiums and other unnecessary expenses. However, if you expect to need occasional fillings and other restoration work or you or your children may need orthodontia, a traditional insurance plan may provide you with the best coverage.

An experienced insurance professional can help you make the best choice for your situation.

 

Source: Los Angeles Health Coverage

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